Category Archives: Chapman State Park

9:00 PM – 10:00 PM
“MOVIE NIGHT: SEASON OF THE BEAR” – Enjoy volume 1 as you watch American Black Bears up close and personal. See bears in the four seasons, living their lives in the wild!
Amphitheater (Pavilion 4 in case of rain)

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
“LIL’ BUDS: FROGS” – Get the kids outdoors with this program featuring a nature story, hands-on exploration, and a craft. Designed for children ages 2 to 6 but all are welcome. A new topic will be explored each time with indoor or outdoor activities.
Environmental Learning Center

8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
“GEOCACHING AT NIGHT” – Experience this popular activity after the sun sets. A brief introduction and hands on instruction will be provided. A limited number of GPS units will be available for use.
Amphitheater

Monday, 5/28/18 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
“NATURE’S ENGINEER” – Learn about beavers and their incredible building skills. Take a walk along the Nature Trail to see the beaver lodges and dam. Get a firsthand look at beaver habitat and see how the dam rehabilitation project is affecting them.
Amphitheater

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
“SALAMANDER SAFARI”- Find out about salamanders of Pennsylvania; where they live, what they eat, what makes them so unique, and where to find them. We will head to Penny Run to catch and identify salamanders and newts. Wear shoes you can get wet.
Pavilion #2

“Owl Prowl” – Learn about the owls of Pennsylvania and then go on a short hike to see if we can call in some owls. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp.
What: Owl Prowl
When: Friday, September 4, 2015
Time: 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Where: Environmental Learning Center, Chapman State Park, 4790 Chapman Dam Road, Clarendon, PA 16313
Who: Open to the Public

“Smokey Parade” – Smokey Night will begin with a parade through the campground, led by Smokey Bear himself. All area children and campers are invited to participate in the parade, either on foot or bicycle. We will end up at Pavilion #4 for a program on fire prevention and to celebrate Smokey’s birthday.
What: Smokey Parade
When: Saturday, September 5, 2015
Time: 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Where: Campground Host Site, Chapman State Park, 4790 Chapman Dam Road, Clarendon, PA 16313
Who: Open to the public

“Smokey Night” – Join the park naturalist and the Bureau of Forestry for a night of fun. Games, firefighting equipment, birthday cake and of course Smokey Bear! The symbol of wild land fire prevention turns 71 this year. Smokey will help cut his birthday cake and meet and greet his friends during the celebration. Don’t forget your camera to remember this special day!
What: Smokey Night
When: Saturday, September 5, 2015
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Pavilion #4, Chapman State Park, 4790 Chapman Dam Road, Clarendon, PA 16313
Who: Open to the public

“Nature Scavenger Hunt” – Search for various items in nature. Make a nature mobile at the end with the materials you find.
What: Nature Scavenger Hunt
When: Sunday, September 6, 2015
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Amphitheater, Chapman State Park, 4790 Chapman Dam Road, Clarendon, PA 16313
Who: Open to the public

“Salamander Safari” – Find out about salamanders of Pennsylvania, where they live, what they eat, what makes them so unique, and also where to find them. We’ll head to Penny Run to catch and identify salamanders and newts. Wear shoes you can get wet.
What: Salamander Safari
When: Monday, September 7, 2015
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Where: Parking Lot #1, Chapman State Park, 4790 Chapman Dam Road, Clarendon, PA
16313
Who: Open to the public

National Public Lands Day at Chapman State Park
Calling all volunteers! Bring friends, co-workers, scout groups to help us clean up the lake, trails, and campground.
When: September 26, 2015
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Rain or Shine)
Where: Environmental Learning Center
4790 Chapman Dam Road
Clarendon, PA 16313
Who: Any individuals or organized groups
Equipment: Bring shovels, rakes, and gardening tools. Please bring your own water and snacks. Gloves and bags will be provided.
Attire: Must wear closed-toe shoes or boots and long pants. Long sleeve shirts, hats, and rain gear recommended.
Lunch will be provided!
Registration is required by Friday, September 18, 2015. For more information or to register please call Jen Moore at 814-723-0259 or email jennmoore@pa.gov.

Saturday, August 15, 20153:00 – 5:00 PM – Woodhick Hike – Come join the Chapman Logging Co. as we move back to the late 1800’s. Experience what a logging camp might have been like. Learn to measure and identify trees, use primitive logging tools and build a fire. Enjoy a woodhick meal and sample “stick honies.” Lumberjack costumes are encouraged but not mandatory. Your experience will begin at the warming hut (Pavilion #5).8:00 – 9:30 PM – Exploring The Night Sky: Perseids Meteor Shower – Join Tom Traub, Project Director for the Martz Observatory, and learn the essentials of stargazing. We’ll be trying out the park’s telescope to discover where and when to look for meteor showers, planets and deep sky objects. If you have a telescope gathering dust, bring it out and get some tips on using it from an expert. Meet the park naturalist at the Beach. Remember to bring a jacket and flashlight. (In case of rain program will be held indoors at the Beach Concession Stand)

Wednesday, August 19 and Thursday, August 20, 2015Dusk – 10:00 PM – “The Boonies International Film Festival” – A collection of independent films appropriate for general audiences, presented by the Northern PA Film Office will be shown at Chapman State Park. This presentation is open to the public at no charge. Meet at the park amphitheater (Pavilion #4 in case of rain). Visit thebooniesinternational.com for more detail.

Friday, August 21, 20156:00 – 8:00 PM – Family Fishing – Join the Park Naturalist for an evening of fishing. Poles and bait will be provided. No fishing license required. Meet at Pavilion #1.

Saturday, August 22, 20159:30 – 11:30 AM – Wildlife Kayak Tour – Come to the Beach Concession Stand for a short lesson on basic boating safety and join us for a wildlife tour on the lake. Pre-registration is REQUIRED as kayaks are limited. You may bring your own kayak but you must still register. The program fee is $5 per adult and $2 for youth between the ages of 8 and 12. This program is not recommended for children under the age of 8. Youth are required to use a tandem kayak with a responsible adult. Those under 18 must have an adult present to sign a waiver. There are a limited number of tandem kayaks available upon request. Registrations can be made by calling the park office at (814) 723-0250 by Friday, 8/21.2:00 – 3:00 PM – Stream Stomp – Investigate the stream at Penny Run and look for fish, salamanders, crayfish and other aquatic creatures. Be prepared to get your feet Wet! Meet at Parking Lot #1.

Friday, August 28, 20158:00 – 9:00 PM – Movie Night: Into The Wilderness – Join us as we journey into the last wilderness areas on Earth. Meet at the Amphitheater. (Pavilion #4 in case of rain)

Saturday, August 29, 20153:00 – 4:00 PM – Insect Scavenger Hunt – Join the park naturalist to look for insects and their homes. Prizes to everyone that completes the hunt. Meet at the Amphitheater.6:00 – 8:00 PM – Sunset Paddle – Come to the Beach Concession Stand for a short lesson on basic boating safety and join us to watch the sun set over the lake. Pre-registration is REQUIRED as kayaks are limited. You may bring your own canoe or kayak but you must still register. The program fee is $5 per adult and $2 for youth between the ages of 8 and 12. This program is not recommended for children under the age of 8. Youth are required to use a tandem kayak with a responsible adult. Those under 18 must have an adult present to sign a waiver. There are a limited number of tandem kayaks available upon request. Registrations can be made by calling the park office at (814) 723-0250 by Friday, 8/28.

Friday, July 247:00 PM – 8:00 PM – MOON ROCKS – Join the Park Naturalist to learn about the moon and then go in search of your very own moon rock to decorate. Meet at the Beach Concession Stand.

8:00 PM – 9:30 PM – EXPLORING THE NIGHT SKY – Join Tom Traub, Project Director for the Martz Observatory, and learn the essentials of stargazing. We’ll be trying out the park’s telescope to discover where and when to look for meteor showers, planets and deep sky objects. If you have a telescope gathering dust, bring it out and get some tips on using it from an expert. Meet the park naturalist at the Beach. Remember to bring a jacket and flashlight. (In case of rain program will be held indoors at the Beach Concession Stand)

Saturday, July 256:00 PM – 7:00 PM – CRITTER SCENCE INVESTIGATION – Do you have what it takes to be on a team of nature detectives, solving Chapman crimes, by examining evidence? Join us on a trek to look for clues and evidence of a wildlife crime that occurred in the park. Meet at the Amphitheater.

8:00 PM – 9:00 PM – THE AMERICAN BLACK BEAR – Black bears are frequently sighted in Pennsylvania. Join Dave Donachy, a Wildlife Conservation Officer with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, to find out some tips for sharing the woods with these wild neighbors. Meet at the Amphitheater. Pavilion #4 in case of rain.

Tuesday, July 28 – Thursday, July 3010:00 AM – 12:00 PM – DISCOVER E: OUTDOOR EXPLORERS – Children ages 6 to 8 will explore the outdoors and discover what critters live on land and in the air and water at Chapman State Park. They will collect and study insects, take part in a stream safari, and take a camouflage hike. Games and crafts will add to their adventures. The program fee is $15 per child. Class size is limited to 12 participants. Please register and pay for your child/children by July 21, 2015. Call the park office at 814-723-0250 or stop in to request a registration form.

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit. With adequate notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs. For more information about the Bureau of State Parks, visit BSP directly at visitpaparks.com.MEDIA CONTACT: Jen Moore, 814-723-0259.

Thursday, July 2, 2015“Fire Prevention” – Come to Chapman State Park with your family to learn about fire prevention techniques as well as meet Jay Lindemuth, from the DCNR Bureau of Forestry. He will be bringing in some of the equipment used to fight forest fires and his good friend Smokey Bear will also make an appearance!
What: Fire Prevention
When: Thursday, July 2, 2015
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Where: Pavilion #4, Chapman State Park, 4790 Chapman Dam Road, Clarendon, PA 16313
Who: Open to Public

Friday, July 3, 2015“Geocache Dash” – Discover the fascinating challenge of geocaching and how you can use it to explore Pennsylvania State Parks. You will receive hands on training before embarking on a journey to find as many caches as possible before time runs out.
What: Geocache Dash
When: Friday, July 3, 2015
Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Where: Amphitheater, Chapman State Park, 4790 Chapman Dam Road, Clarendon, PA 16313
Who: Open to the Public

Saturday, July 4, 2015“Fish for Free Day” – No fishing license needed. All other regulations apply.
What: Fish for Free Day
When: Saturday, July 4, 2015
Where: Lake, Chapman State Park, 4790 Chapman Dam Road, Clarendon, PA 16313
Time: All day
Who: Open to the public

“Canoe Chapman” – Come to the Beach Concession Stand for a short lesson on basic boating safety and then take a canoe tour on the lake and the creek. Pre-registration is required as canoes are limited. You may bring your own canoe or kayak, but you must still register. The non-refundable program fee is $5.00 per adult and $2.00 for youth ages 12 and under. Payment is due at the time of registration. Those under 18 must have an adult present to sign a waiver. Registrations can be made by calling the park office at (814) 723-0250 by Friday, July 3, 2015.
What: Canoe Chapman
When: Saturday, July 4, 2015
Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Where: Beach Concession Stand, Chapman State Park, 4790 Chapman Dam Road,
Clarendon, PA 16313
Who: Open to the public, must register by July 3, 2015

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit. With adequate notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs. For more information about the Bureau of State Parks, visit BSP directly at visitpaparks.com.MEDIA CONTACT: Jen Moore, 814-723-0259.

Friday, June 26, 20156:00 PM – 8:00 PM – “KAYAK CHAPMAN” – Come to the Beach Concession Stand for a short lesson on basic boating safety and then take a kayak tour on the lake and the creek. Pre-registration is REQUIRED as kayaks are limited. You may bring your own canoe or kayak but you must still register. The program fee is $5 per adult and $2 for youth between the ages of 8 and 12. This program is not recommended for children under the age of 8. Youth are required to use a tandem kayak with a responsible adult. Those under 18 must have an adult present to sign a waiver. There are a limited number of tandem kayaks available upon request. Registrations can be made by calling the park office at (814) 723-0250 by Friday, 6/26.

Saturday, June 27, 2015Noon – Midnight – “PA FIREFLY FESTIVAL” – The PA Firefly Festival is a celebration of the annual displays of the “Synchronous Firefly” in the Allegheny National Forest Region. This is a FREE event from noon-midnight with live music, educational exhibits/demonstrations, arts/crafts and FOOD. The firefly displays will be most active after 10 pm. Bring a Lawn Chair or blanket, dress appropriate for the weather and walking in the forest at night. This is a family-friendly event, no alcohol or drugs. The festival is held at the Black Caddis Ranch B&B, 13558 Route 666, Tionesta, Pa. 16356.

Thursday, July 2, 20151:00 – 3:00 PM – “FIRE PREVENTION” – Come to Chapman State Park with your family to learn about fire prevention techniques as well as meet Jay from the DCNR Bureau of Forestry. He will be bringing in some of the equipment used to fight forest fires and his good friend Smokey Bear will also make an appearance! Pavilion #4

Friday, July 3, 20156:00 – 7:30 PM – “GEOCACHE DASH” – Discover the fascinating challenge of geocaching and how you can use it to explore Pennsylvania state parks. You will receive hands on training before embarking on a journey to find as many caches as possible before time runs out. Amphitheater8:30 – 9:30 PM – “MOVIE NIGHT: Pennsylvania Bald Eagles” – Celebrate the 4th of July while watching the nation’s symbol celebrate 30 years of restoration. Amphitheater (Pavilion 4 in case of rain)

Saturday, July 4, 2015All Day – “FISH FOR FREE DAY” – No license needed. All other regulations apply. Lake10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – “FAMILY FISHING” – Join the Park Naturalist for a morning of fishing. Poles and bait will be provided. No fishing license required. Meet at Pavilion #11:30 – 3:30 PM – “CANOE CHAPMAN” – Come to the Beach Concession Stand for a short lesson on basic boating safety and then take a canoe tour on the lake and the creek. Pre-registration is REQUIRED as canoes are limited. You may bring your own canoe or kayak but you must still register. The non-refundable program fee is $5 per adult and $2 for youth ages 12 and under. Payment is due at time of registration. Those under 18 must have an adult present to sign a waiver. Registrations can be made by calling the park office at (814) 723-0250 by Friday, 7/3. Meet at Beach Concession Stand

Friday, June 196:00 PM – 7:30 PM – “STREAM STOMP” – Investigate the stream at Penny Run and look for fish, salamanders, crayfish and other aquatic creatures. Be prepared to get your feet Wet! Meet at Parking Lot #1.

9:00 PM – 10:30 PM – “NIGHT SKY WATCH” – Come out and enjoy the night skies with Tom Traub of Martz Observatory. An introduction presentation at 9:00 P.M. will show current sky events and what’s “up” in the spring skies. If you have a telescope gathering dust or just need a little guidance on using it please bring it to the program. Please bring a chair/blanket and a flashlight. This program will meet at the beach.

Saturday, June 208:30 PM – 10:00 PM – “SUMMER’S DAZZLING GIFT: SYNCHRONOUS FIREFLIES” – The PA Firefly Educational Outreach program is a brief presentation about firefly biology, habitat and bioluminescence; Demonstration of flash pattern/communication; Firefly watching etiquette tips; Catch and release if weather and time permits. The synchronous fireflies will begin flashing around 11:00 P.M. but other species of firefly can be seen earlier in the evening. Peggy Butler, from the PA Firefly Festival, will be conducting this program and will be viewing the synchronous fireflies late into the night. Stay as long as you like. Please bring a flashlight, blanket and/or chair. Meet at Pavilion #4.

Friday, June 266:00 PM – 8:00 PM – “KAYAK CHAPMAN” – Come to the Beach Concession Stand for a short lesson on basic boating safety and then take a kayak tour on the lake and the creek. Pre-registration is REQUIRED as kayaks are limited. You may bring your own canoe or kayak but you must still register. The program fee is $5 per adult and $2 for youth between the ages of 8 and 12. This program is not recommended for children under the age of 8. Youth are required to use a tandem kayak with a responsible adult. Those under 18 must have an adult present to sign a waiver. There are a limited number of tandem kayaks available upon request. Registrations can be made by calling the park office at (814) 723-0250 by Friday, 6/26.

Saturday, June 27Noon – Midnight – “PA FIREFLY FESTIVAL” – The PA Firefly Festival is a celebration of the annual displays of the “Synchronous Firefly” in the Allegheny National Forest Region. This is a FREE event from noon-midnight with live music, educational exhibits/demonstrations, arts/crafts and FOOD. The firefly displays will be most active after 10 pm. Bring a Lawn Chair or blanket, dress appropriate for the weather and walking in the forest at night. This is a family-friendly event, no alcohol or drugs. The festival is held at the Black Caddis Ranch B&B, 13558 Route 666, Tionesta, Pa. 16356.

Saturday, May 23, 20153:00 – 4:30 PM – “ANIMALS, PLANTS AND OTHER LIVING THINGS” – Come join us for an afternoon to investigate what makes up life in the forest. The animals, plants and even slime on the rocks in the creek, has its place in the forest, learn how they all function together. Learn to recognize animals and their tracks as well as some trees and plants. In the Amphitheater.6:30 – 8:00 PM – “NATURE’S ENGINEER-THE BEAVER” – Join the park naturalist to discover how beaver lodges are made then take a walk to view the newest build near the park. In the Amphitheater.

Sunday, May 24, 2015All Day “FISH FOR FREE DAY” – No license needed. All other regulations apply. Lake10:00 AM CHAPEL SERVICE-NON-DENOMINATIONAL. In the Amphitheater. (Pavilion 4 in case of rain)3:00 – 4:30 PM “ECO-SAND SCULPTURE COMPETITION” – Are you up for the challenge? Come out to the beach to learn about ecosystems and enter a nature-themed sculpture into the contest. Small prizes and certificates will be awarded to winners. Please bring your own sand equipment. Beach6:00 – 8:00 PM “FAMILY FISHING” – Join the Park Naturalist for a day of fishing. Poles and bait will be provided. No fishing license required. Beach Concession Stand

Monday, May 25, 2015
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM “GEOCACHE DASH” – Discover the fascinating challenge of geocaching and how you can use it to explore Pennsylvania state parks. You will receive hands on training before embarking on a journey to find as many caches as possible before time runs out. In the Amphitheater.1:30 – 2:30 PM “SALAMANDER SAFARI” – Find out about salamanders of Pennsylvania, where they live, what they eat, what makes them so unique, and also where to find them. We’ll head to Penny Run to catch and identify salamanders and newts. Wear shoes you can get wet. Parking Lot #1

GO Teach is a series of teacher workshops that focus on cross-curricular connections linked by a common outdoor recreation. This workshop presents a set of standards-based lessons that enable middle and high school students to learn about global positioning system (GPS) technology and how to use it for healthy lifelong recreation. As a part of the workshop, teachers will receive lesson plans, ACT 48 hours, and access to loaner equipment to help facilitate the lessons on their school grounds.

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit. With adequate notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs. For more information about the Bureau of State Parks, visit BSP directly at visitpaparks.com.

CLARENDON – The Chapman State Park campground will officially open for the 2015 camping season beginning Friday, April 10 to accommodate trout fishermen. The April 10 opening includes all campsites in the lower loop, camping cottages, and yurts. Sites in the lower loop are now open to pets. Upper loop campsites will open May 15, 2015.

Reservations can be made online and through the PA State Parks call center up to 11 months in advance, or at the park office the day of arrival only. Facilities available for reservations include campsites, camping cottages, yurts, organized group tenting area, pavilions, and an amphitheater.

Chapman State Park’s campground is a beautiful wooded site and consists of three camping cottages, two yurts, and 82 campsites that vary from secluded tent only sites to 100 foot camping spurs with 50 amp electric hook-ups.

To make a reservation or for more information on any of Pennsylvania’s other state parks, contact the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation System at 1-888-PA-PARKS (1-888-727-2757) between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, or visit us online at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.

– Chapman State Park will again allow Early Canada goose hunting beginning Tuesday, September 2nd. The statewide season, designed to reduce local nuisance geese populations, runs through Thursday, Sept. 25.

Non-migratory Canada goose populations have increased drastically in recent years, causing crop damage and nuisance problems in residential neighborhoods. Park visitors often complain about goose excrement on state park beaches and other facilities, and water quality at some state parks has been adversely affected.

Resident Canada geese have been among the suspected cause of high fecal coliform counts at some Pennsylvania state park beaches, forcing swimming restrictions during peak use periods.

Many state parks have taken measures, including anti-goose fencing and/or the use of loud noisemakers, in attempt to deter the waterfowl or scare them away.

All Game Commission rules and regulations governing the early Canada goose season will apply at state parks. Park information can be found at: www.dcnr.state.pa.us

Persons with disabilities wanting to hunt geese in the early season should contact the park office for further information.